On a cool Tuesday afternoon, the Claire Moore Room at Stevenson University fills with the bold swirls of royal blue and gold. The Zeta Omega Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., makes its mark on campus.
Vibrant colors glide through space, and students gather to witness the storied Divine nine sorority’s presentation—an event that bridges the past and present.
“It was an insight to students learning about Sigma Gamma Rho. They were open to answering questions that students had and had a joyful energy to everyone,” second-year and vice president of the Timeless Tau Theta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc Faith Dyson said.
The Office of Student Life & Leadership’s FSL Expansion and Recognition Committee welcomed the ladies of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Tuesday, Jan. 28 to present to the Stevenson community as part of the office’s initiative for Greek Life Expansion.
“We were really excited to see how many students and folks in general from Stevenson came to hear the presentation…we really enjoyed hearing all about the sorority and learning more about them,” director of The Office of Student Life and Leadership Jenna Womack said.
Established during a time of racial segregation, Sigma Gamma Rho was founded on Nov. 12, 1922, by seven visionary educators at Butler University, determined to provide Black women with the opportunity for leadership.
Today, these dynamic women continue to lead with purpose, upholding a legacy of sisterhood, leadership and service, empowering their community and inspiring future generations.
The campus presentation delved into the sorority’s dedication to academic success, professional development, community service and advocacy, outlining key initiatives that have had a tangible impact both locally and globally, while their core values of sisterhood, scholarship and service align seamlessly with Stevenson’s mission of fostering student success.
Tomilola V. Morakinyo works within the Fraternity and Sorority Life Recognition Committee as assistant director of The Office of Student Life and Leadership.
“The Office of Student Life and Leadership encourages students to let us know how they believe their Stevenson experience can be enhanced,” Morakinyo said.
Sigma Gamma Rho discussed how their Academic Excellence Committee provides academic support for members, while professional networking opportunities help students connect with accomplished alumni and career pathways.
Beyond academics, the sorority actively engages in service initiatives. Sorority members have participated in Meals on Wheels in Baltimore County, school supply drives, and health awareness programs.
Their dedication to social action includes initiatives on human trafficking awareness, domestic violence advocacy, and promoting civic engagement through workshops and campaigns.
The sorority’s historical roots add to its significance. Founded during racial segregation, Sigma Gamma Rho aimed to provide leadership and professional development opportunities for Black women. Today, it has expanded globally, with chapters in Europe, Africa, Asia, Bermuda and the Caribbean.
They also highlighted prominent programs such as “Swim 1922,” which addresses drowning risks in minority communities, and “Operation Big Bookbag,” which supplies resources to underprivileged schools, further demonstrating the sorority’s commitment to service. Additionally, their Youth Symposium fosters leadership skills and education among young people.
“They help the community, especially people in the army with their Poodles in Boots initiative,” Dyson said.
The sorority’s impact extends to military and veteran support, ensuring sorority members in active duty remain connected, as well as organizing donation drives for veterans.
The presentation signified the importance of service and being a helping hand in our community, and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. will join among the ten sororities and fraternities at FSL’s Fraternity & Sorority Life Open House this Friday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. in Rockland Banquet.
“I believe the expansion of Greek life gives students more opportunities to network, get involved on campus, strive for academic achievement, step into leadership roles, engage in community service and become a part of a brotherhood or sisterhood that transcends the university and after graduation,” Morakinyo said.
Students will have the opportunity to experience and learn more about these Greek organizations and their impact.
“A big part of Greek life is a sense of belonging,” Womack said. “We want everyone at Stevenson to feel like they have a place, friends, leadership skills, and social skills, and Greek life is a big part of that. The more options we can give our students—something they can picture themselves in—I think is really important for Stevenson.”
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For more information on the FSL interest events or to learn more about Greek life at Stevenson, contact Assistant Director of Student Life & Leadership, Tomilola V. Morakinyo, at tmorakinyo@stevenson.edu or follow Stevenson’s Fraternity & Sorority Life Instagram page @stevensongreeklife.
